Bike sometimes won't downshift at a stop

[GMR]

Occasionally, when I come to a stop I either can't shift back out of neutral-first very well, or downshift into first. What could it be? Bike is new with less than 1000 miles on it
I know I probably need to take it to a good mechanic for a maintenenace check (what is it, like first 600 miles or so?). Any suggestions for a good Kawasaki mechanic?

[madvlad]

Check your shift linkage to make sure it's positioned and tightned down properly.

[asp_125]

Are you already in neutral? Simply clutch out and back in, and try shifting again.

[ticktock4792]

Are you already in neutral? Simply clutch out and back in, and try shifting again.:up:

[Grim2.0]

Are you already in neutral? Simply clutch out and back in, and try shifting again.

What he said or try moving the bike forward or backward a 1/2 a foot or so.

[Nooch]

This was a constant problem for me with my 250 as well (although mine was a 2000). Last I saw you plan to sell the bike soon. Just stick it out. The linkage is a notorious pain in the arse and it won't affect resale.

[asp_125]

Some bikes are finicky about oil level, too. My Suzukis would shift rough if there was too much oil or too little.

[GMR]

Thanks guys, hopefully the clutch suggestion and moving the bike a foot forward or backwards does the trick. It really sucks wanting to throw it in neutral to stretch at a red light, but being afraid to do so because I might hold up traffic trying to get it in gear. Shift linkage is taut

same thing--ish happening to my car now too, nothing but double clutching for the time being. Flat tire, transmission problem on bike then car. Trouble comes in 3's, hopefully I on't have to deal with any more BS for a while

[Dogsbody]

Think I had the same problem on my Streetfighter. There's probably a bit of air in the clutch line. Just pull in your lever, crack the bleeder and you should see some air bubbles come out.

[Aaron]

A lot of bikes will do this moreso when new, and after a few thousand miles will start to loosen up as the parts develop wear patterns. Don't be surprised if the bike wears into being a lot better as time goes on.

As for the car, that's fairly common. Make sure the clutch is in all of the way, and when it won't go into 1st, put it in 3rd, then 4th, then try 1st again and that'll usually get it as it lines up the synchros.

[LambeauXLIV]

When I need to shift from N to 1st, I roll the bike forward as I do so. I found it makes it a lot smoother.

[Rabbie303]

Some bikes are finicky about oil level, too. My Suzukis would shift rough if there was too much oil or too little.

My Sv650 will do that towards end of season usually when I need an oil change. After fresh oil it doesn't seem to do that.

[UHATEIT]

What he said or try moving the bike forward or backward a 1/2 a foot or so.

I have to do this from time to time, gets stuck in gear when at a stop and cannot get it from 2nd down to 1st.

[willb003]

Change the oil

[sag]

all my bikes have done and do this, never paid much mind to it. could barely get my honda to downshift through the gears at a stop to first smoothly after doing stoppies.

[Samko]

Think I had the same problem on my Streetfighter. There's probably a bit of air in the clutch line. Just pull in your lever, crack the bleeder and you should see some air bubbles come out.

:no:

[Titus]

Think I had the same problem on my Streetfighter. There's probably a bit of air in the clutch line. Just pull in your lever, crack the bleeder and you should see some air bubbles come out.

Bingo, I had the same problem on my Streetfighter, & I was gonna suggest the same:
Bleed the clutch.